VIDEO: City Cathedral Officially Kicks Off Restoration Campaign

Not a bad crowd at the fundraising kickoff to restore the Cathedral on Waterloo street to its former glory.

The 5 year fundraising campaign aims to raise $10 million dollars for the repair work the churches need and to help revitalize the Waterloo village.

Campaign chair Geoff Flood telling the crowd they have reached 20 per cent of their goal with the donations they have receive already.

He says that mean they can have the much needed repairs on the roof completed.

Heritage Minister Trevor Holder was on hold to announce the historic house of worship is receiving heritage status from the province.

Architect John LeRoux says the Cathedral should apply for national heritage status as its one of the most historic churches in the country and deserves it.

Mayor Mel Norton and Liberal Leader Brian Gallant were also on hand at the event.

Performers at the concert included Edith Butler, the Cathedral choir, Rachel Kidd and the Korean Catholic Teen Orchestra.

VIDEO: SJ Gets Slammed With Snow

Everyone who is shovelling are wishing they had a snowblower after a massive snowfall in Saint John and beyond.

The storm forcing the cancellation of the Princess of Acadia, closing McAllister place and resulting in City buses staying off the road.

Meteorologist Andy Ferth of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News the Saint John area got 27 cm's of snow last night and this morning but, many thought we got more than that.

He says with all the drifting it really depended upon where you measured it. 
He says Gagetown has 28 centimetres and Moncton was harder hit with 37 centimetres.

The largest snowfall in the province is in Bathurst which recorded 41 centimetres of snow.

More snow is in the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

UPDATED: Storm Cancellations

Photo Courtesy of Selma Kilisli

Saint John Police letting us know that city transit will not be running today because of the storm.

We have also learned that McAllister Place and the Lancaster Mall is closed today.

The church service at Portland United Church on Newport Crescent has been cancelled as is the service at Edith Avenue Baptist Church.

The Wedding Expo at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre has been postponed until March 9.

Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing In Fredericton

Fredericton police are investigating a homicide on the city's south side.

Police responding to a report of a stabbing finding the victim in critical condition, however, the person later died. Officers determined the suspect had fled the scene, and a few hours later the suspect was caught somewhere just outside of the city.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin. Police say they will release more details as they become available, likely tomorrow at the earliest.

It's believed this is an isolated incident.

Winter Storm Causing Low Visibility

A major winter storm has struck, bringing whipping winds and a hefty dumping of snow to the region. 

Meteorologist with Environment Canada Stephen Hatt tells CHSJ News we'll continue to see heavy snowfall until it starts to gradually taper off early this afternoon. However, wind gusts will stay strong up to 90 kilometres an hour throughout the day causing blowing snow throughout the evening. It's expected we'll see another 25 centimetres of snow fall today.

Visibility is very low throughout the province and will remain that way for the rest of the day according to Hatt. Both Saint John Police and the Rothesay Regional Police describing current road conditions as being very poor.

Ferry Crossings Cancelled Due To Storm

This morning's crossing of the Princess of Acadia from Saint John to Digby and the crossing from Digby to Saint John this afternoon both being cancelled due to the storm. You can check for further updates on this ferry service by clicking here or calling 1-877-762-7245.

The Department of Transportation letting us know the Evandale ferry is not running today because of the bad weather.

Local Suppliers Should Get Slice Of Data Centre Work

BellAliant's new data centre in Millidgeville should mean some business for local suppliers - in an email - company spokesperson Katherine VanBuskirk tells CHSJ News local companies will be used wherever possible but that selection process hasn't been completed.

VanBuskirk will only say work will begin soon on the 25-million dollar fortress like building with construction scheduled for completion by spring of next year.

The provincial government is contributing 5-million dollars to the project which will create about 50-jobs during construction and operation of the centre.